What year did the vw bettle come with a automatic transmission

1968, and you definitely don't want one!

Or, do you mean a New Beetle? Completely different car. If you are talking about the New Beetle, they should be fine.

Check this out,. http://www.carcomplaints.com/Volkswagen/Beetle/

Have you considered an Asian car,. like the Mazda Miata?

I have a 72 super beetle autostick that runs great and it's for sale if your still looking.

How much are you asking?

The 3- speed semi-automatic (or autostick) came out in 1968, and as exemplified by MarkW's misleading and completely uninformed comment above, they get a lot of bad rap for no reason other than they use a few more parts (mainly vacuum-controlled valves and a mechanical clutch arm) that shade tree VW mechanics found a bit tougher to diagnose and didn't want to mess with. In fact, the semi-auto is virtually the same transmission as the 4-speed with the gear ratios of the 3-speed the exact same as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the 4 speed. It works just fine as long as the vacuum hoses are intact, the electrical contacts in the base of the shifter are adjusted properly, and the clutch servo diaphragm is not torn (mine lasted for almost 50 years, sooo....) Mark has no clue what he's talking about and is simply parroting what he's heard from other misinformed and clueless people. Plus, he had the nerve to recommend the New Beetle with all its glaring electrical issues and questionable drivetrain quality??

I agree with you Steve about Mark. My first car was a used VW bug. And also have had used "68 Bug with no problems. Did have some issues though with a used VW Campmobile as well as issues with a used "74 Super Beetle which was the worst. Also had a new 2000 Bug with issues with the buzzer going off even without anyone being near it. VW said that they couldn;t fix it but did replace it.. Still the same & finally traded it off in 2001 for Toyota Camry.